My headline uses a short version of what this new model is called in full – the Suzuki S-Cross 1.6 DDiD ALLGRIP SZ5 TCSS. Bear with me whilst I explain. DDiD refers to the 1.6-litre 120hp direct injection turbodiesel engine, ALLGRIP refers to its variable modes 4WD system, SZ5 is its one and only high spec level and TCSS means Twin Clutch System by Suzuki. The S-Cross is a five door, five … [Read more...]
Roadtests
Weekend roadtest: Honda Jazz CVT
The Honda Jazz is intended to have the widest appeal. Reintroduced to Britain last year and retaining the name, it is actually a larger car both inside and out with a new platform underneath and the latest technology as standard or options. The famous “Magic Seat” system is there and offers unrivalled room and configurations in this class, turning it into a real mini-mpv … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Hyundai Tucson Premium SE
The demand by customers for SUVs and Crossovers has made them the best selling sector in the European new car market and the third best selling sector in the UK where sales increased by 21% last year. Hyundai has replaced the popular ix35 mid-sized SUV with the all-new Tucson priced from £18,995 to £32,695, reflecting the wide range of prices and substantial new models. Current engine … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Kuga 2.0 6sp AWD
Kuga has been an unqualified success but Ford is not resting on laurels and has consistently refined what is the best selling SUV in its sector. We have just been testing the new and most powerful turbo-diesel which has renergised the Kuga and will capitalise on the fact that a diesel supplement has ended and there is no added penalty if you are running it as a company car. Anyone buying a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Nissan X Trail n-tec 163 2WD
X marks the spot where Nissan started carving out a niche in the MPV market. The arrival of the Nissan X Trail in 2000 started a new line in the Japanese brand which has seen the Qashqai become one of the most popular MPVs on the UK market and that was followed by the Juke SUV, essentially a derivative of the larger car’s platform which now has its own following. The Nissan X-Trail … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Ford Mustang gallops into UK
Ford’s latest marketing strategy is ‘Un Learn’ as they try to remove our preconceptions of the brand and past products, says David Miles. It is therefore strange and inconsistent that they have been wheeling out nostalgia as a hook to catch owners wanting Ford’s latest and first ever official right hand drive Mustang muscle car. The arrival of the sixth generation Mustang in … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Volkswagen Beetle Design 1.4 TSI 150PS
It is one of the most famous profiles on the road and proves familiarity breeds contentment with the Volkswagen Beetle. The model which originally relaunched the car maker after WW2 is now fighting for sales among far less distinctive rivals, and it is all the better for it. The Beetle range is extensive, based on the stablemate Golf chassis, running to nearly 30 models with a choice of … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: SEAT Alhambra
SEAT’s latest generation seven-seat Alhambra came to market mid-year 2015 with engines 15% more fuel efficient and more powerful than before plus it received a new generation of infotainment systems and a higher grade of comfort and driver assistance features. The Alhambra, being an MPV, meets multi-uses and is most often seen as the ‘family bus’ or a chauffeuring vehicle for airport runs but … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Range Rover Autobiography
Wading depth of 900mm, towing up to 3,500kg and packing a generous 339bhp with 740Nm torque, the insane off-road capabilities make this Range Rover the SAS of cars, says Beth Keenan. Even the three distinct lines on the exterior are like its own personal ‘Cap Badge’. So what makes the Range Rover so special? Well, since the first model was released back in 1970 the iconic 4x4 SUV … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Kia Cee’d hatchback
A sprinkling of updates inside, outside and under the bonnet of the Kia Cee’d family sized five door Hatchbacks, Sportwagon estates and Pro-Cee’d three door hatchbacks has given the models a mid-life refresh. Also introduced are more fuel efficient engines and a GT-Line sportier looking spec level option. The Cee’d family has to remain competitive to ‘suc-Cee’d’ in a very tough … [Read more...]